When you want the resort experience, complete with restaurants, waterparks, and a business center, but want the comfort of your own motorhome, Honey Creek Resort State Park is the perfect place to park with amenities, events, and fun-filled activities that will keep you coming back for years to come. Located on the shores of Lake Rathbun, this is a family-friendly environment, packed with all sorts of recreation to keep the kids engaged. However, it's not just the kids that are welcome to all the fun. From putting around the resort's golf course to slipping down the indoor water park's slide, and just about everything in between, this place has it all.
The Lodge on Rathbun Lake may get a lot of hype, but it's the spectacular views from the RV Park Campground that help solidify this choice of stay. It's good to get reservations in early as this place packs in quite quickly. This ultimate vacation destination is a place to discover more and really take in what Iowa has to show. The natural landscape and stunning lake views make for a spectacular way to start and end the day.
Miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking, canoes, and kayaks for rent, sledding, year-round indoor water park fun, and no matter the season, there's a whole list of recreation for guests to dive into. Time to get parked and get started on the day's fun.
Less than 20 minutes west of Moravia, Iowa, by taking Highway J18, the ride into Honey Creek Resort is pleasant and straightforward. From Des Moines, you'd take Highway US-69 south to IA-5 south. The roads are nicely paved, and signage is easy to read and navigate. As guests head in toward the area's lodging, the golf course and other well-maintained areas of the park are on display. It's a sure way to get excited about all the fun to come.
With so many lodging choices and a whole list of fun things to do, you can be sure this place has amped up parking to suit the number of visitors seen here. Most end up in the area of the lodge and the cabins, as they are popular places to spend a few nights. However, campers, trailers, and RVs will find pull-through sites and ample spacing for their own way to stay.
Over 20 lakeside RV and trailer campsites are available to park your rig at the resort. Many are pull-through spots and will accommodate RVs up to 90 feet. Twenty-eight sites have full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric. The resort gets quite busy during the summer, and because Honey Creek Resort State Park provides fun all year round, you'll want to make sure you secure your spot, no matter the season, especially for these full-service sites. Guests staying in the RV Park Campground receive four complimentary Buccaneer Bay Indoor Water Park wristbands with their stay. Those aren't the only perks, though. Guests staying at the Resort's RV Park Camp have access to all resort amenities, including the Business Center, Fitness Center, Laundry Facility, and more. The resort hosts a ton of activities to help keep the family busy as well, and a trip to the Nature Center is always a sure delight.
The South RV Campground has 54 sites that will take up to a 35-foot rig. Most sites are standard electric and back-in at this site. Guests should reserve their spots at least two days in advance of their stay. Guests will enjoy four complimentary Buccaneer Bay Indoor Water Park wristbands with their stay in this camp as well. These aren't as close to the water, but access is no problem. Bathrooms and dump stations are close by for your convenience.
During the winter, guests often need a little help warming up. Honey Creek Resort has just the answer for some much-needed holiday cheer. It's a great place to start a brand new tradition in the snowy hometown atmosphere you've been dreaming about. Sit around the fire sipping hot chocolate in The Lodge at Rathbun Lake, decorate a Christmas tree after an afternoon of sledding, or join in with one of the sponsored group activities at either Operation Santa in December, or the family-friendly New Year's celebration to bring in every year right. All sorts of fun and festivities await, and these celebrations are a sure win with everyone. Check out the events calendar to see what's coming up and plan to make some warm holiday memories this season.
While the campgrounds do not remain open all year round, the grounds themselves do not close down. Even in the midst of winter, this beautiful landscape can be enjoyed by the public. Many of the area's facilities remain open as well, including The Lodge at Rathbun Lake and the front desk, where you can rent all sorts of equipment for winter-time fun. Rentals aren't just limited to summer's canoes, kayaks, and bikes. This park even offers guests sleds. Plan an action-packed winter vacation your family will not forget. It's a great way to get rid of the mid-winter blues in a serene winter wonderland.
When the weather outside isn't quite so inviting, but you don't want to stay cooped up either, you can find a comfortable setting at Honey Creek Resort's Business Center. The center has a relaxing environment where guests can enjoy a few board games or find a book to read from the lending library. Curl up and have a little me time while the kids build a snowman, or choose to get a little work done with the free Wi-Fi in the comfort of Honey Creek's cozy atmosphere.
At Honey Creek Resort, many guests come to stay within The Lodge on Rathbun Lake. The lodge features over 100 rooms that provide a real resort experience. Outside of The Lodge at Rathbun Lake, many other guests choose to stay, instead, in the resort's luxury cottages. There are 28 to choose from, and each is ideally situated between the golf course and Rathbun Lake. Complete access to amenities is provided to guests of The Lodge and luxury cottages, meaning the use of the Business Center, restaurant, fitness center, laundry facility, indoor water park, and more.
Another wonderful perk of camping at the resort is the food. Guests won't have to worry about packing all their meals and snacks for this outing. The Rathbun Lakeshore Grille has a fantastic setting, casual, quaint, and comfortable. Whether you're in it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all three, this place has your stomach's back. Grab n' Go lunches are available starting in October, but the restaurant is open for dinner; you'll find a full menu including fresh fish, steaks, pasta, and even burgers and pizza for the kids. If you're in the park for the holidays, try the Thanksgiving Day buffet; that's sure to be a treat, and you won't have to do the dishes. No matter what time of year, the Rathbun Lakeshore Grille is a dining experience you won't want to miss out on during your stay.
No matter what the weather is outside, Honey Creek Resort's Buccaneer Bay Indoor Water Park has summertime fun, even during the chill of the off-seasons. After some time outside, enjoying the hundreds of acres of the resort, guests are welcome to come and warm up and wind down in this festive setting. The Resort's RV guests receive a complimentary four wristbands with their stay for the water park. There's plenty to keep you busy here with a two-story water slide, a hot tub, a lazy river to float along, and a pool. While here, guests are also welcome to enjoy a snack bar and an arcade. It's another great place for kids of all ages to get in some added fun.
The Preserve on Rathbun Lake is another piece of Honey Creek Resort that definitely sets this place apart from the rest. Guests can easily make it around this 18-hole course and are encouraged to take advantage of all packages and deals provided for those staying overnight at the resort. This championship course is open to all appropriate ages and skill levels, and even offers lessons and club fittings. The scenic course is a lovely setting for an exceptional golfing experience like none other.
While not just for families, Family Field Packs are a fun, almost effortless way to get a group together, get out, and really enjoy nature. These packs are filled with everything you need for a day of educational fun with your group. A variety of topics are covered. Choose your pack; choose your excursion. Each pack comes with instructions for an activity and all the necessary equipment. Pack options include the Birding Pack, Invertebrate Investigation Pack, GPS Field Pack, and the Track Pack. These packs are a fun way to learn new skills and get involved at the Resort. It's best to get in your reservations for these packs quickly, as there are only limited numbers.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the summer seasons dish out another opportunity for guests to really get involved at the resort. Weekly themes of outdoor recreation, learning opportunities, and skill-building are available as Interpretive Programs held by Honey Creek Resort's professional staff. Certain programs will have limited space (and may have age restrictions), so be sure to read into all details before signing up. Sign-up sheets are provided in The Lodge lobby one day before the class.
A great way to get around and explore the richness of this resort is by bike. It's okay if you haven't packed up your own for this trip, as Honey Creek Resort offers its guests access to bicycle rentals. The entire resort is considered bike-friendly, meaning you can get everywhere you want to go on those two wheels. The enjoyable, mild climate of this part of Iowa helps to make the experience that much more enjoyable. Whether out for a solo cycle or going touring with the family, you'll be able to find your perfect ride. Helmets are also provided.
While staying overnight at Honey Creek Resort, guests are welcome to all sorts of activities, including summer's popular water sports. When you want to get out on the water, but don't want to get wet, a boat is a perfect answer to your needs. Luckily, you don't have to worry about packing your own. Guests are welcome to rent all sorts of equipment — from kayaks to stand up paddleboards. Whether you're in it to paddle along, drop a fishing line, or simply cruise over the water, the perfect watercraft can be found for you. Daily rentals are available through the resort from May through September. Boat and jet ski rentals are available for weekends in September through the beginning of October.
